Grace Nieland

Get to know the Gazette’s Linn County government reporter

Cedar Rapids city leaders are investing upward of $5 million into a series of building renovations that will lead to the relocation of several city departments in the name of space optimization.

The chicks — which have grown into small, squawking balls of feathers — are well on their way to adolescence in a survival story that is not only a remarkable example of individual resilience, but also that of the species at large.

Area veterans are now able to get a discounted adoption fee through Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control thanks to a new partnership with a national nonprofit.

The Collaborative Growth Initiative aims to bolster population and workforce in the greater Cedar Rapids region.

Co-founder Courtney Ball will assume the role of Matthew 25 executive director while the search begins for the organization’s next leader.

Juliet Abdel will assume the role of president and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance on July 28, replacing outgoing director Doug Neumann.

Longtime Matthew 25 leader Clint Twedt-Ball will step down July 15.

The company will now layoff 250 people in late July, down from the 650 layoffs originally announced in April.

Four finalists include one internal and three external applicants to replace former chief Mike Kitsmiller.

Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control will now report directly to the City Manager’s office in a move meant to better support the animal welfare agency amid ongoing staffing issues.

Nearly two years after the launch of a regional growth initiative, three area cities are being asked to reaffirm their support. Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance talent attraction director Jodi Schafer this week provided Cedar Rapids City Council members with an update on the Collaborative Growth Initiative’s year-one goals and funding needs. She’s planning similar presentations for the Marion and Hiawatha city councils.

County leaders say the project should increase space, safety at the seasonal overnight shelter.

Cedar Rapids Police Chief David Dostal says third-party review is imminent to further improve operations

Caleb Knutson began his job with Cedar Rapids’ Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District. Now he’s helping bring the Downtown Vision Plan to life.